Initial consultation and orientation

The first step towards an upper arm lift is a detailed consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon.
During this consultation, your medical history and aesthetic goals will be discussed.
The surgeon will examine your upper arms to assess the condition of your skin and underlying tissue and discuss your options for a lift.

Individual treatment plan

Based on the examination, an individual treatment plan will be drawn up.
The surgeon will inform you about the different techniques of upper arm lift, such as the traditional brachioplasty, which removes larger excess skin, or the mini brachioplasty, which is suitable for smaller corrections.
The extent of the procedure and the placement of the incisions will depend on your specific needs and goals.
The doctor will also discuss possible risks, complications and the healing process.

Preparation for the operation & information

Some preparations are necessary before the procedure.
These include a blood test to ensure that you are in good health for the operation.
The surgeon will give you instructions on how to behave in the days leading up to the operation, including dietary guidelines, taking or stopping certain medications and abstaining from alcohol and nicotine.
It is also advisable to organize support for the first few days after the operation, as you will be physically restricted.

The day of the operation

On the day of the operation, you will come to the clinic fasting.
After discussing the procedure again and marking the areas to be treated, anesthesia will be induced.
An upper arm lift is usually performed under general anesthesia to ensure that you are pain-free during the procedure.

Performing the upper arm lift

The surgeon begins the procedure by making the planned incisions along the inside or back of the upper arms.
The exact placement of the incisions depends on the technique chosen:

• Traditional upper arm lift: A long, vertical incision is made from the armpit to the elbow.
  This method is often used to remove excess skin from the entire upper arm area.
• Mini upper arm lift: This technique involves smaller incisions that are only made in the upper part of the arm, near the armpit.
  It is ideal for patients who only have a small amount of excess skin.
• Liposuction: In some cases, liposuction is performed in combination with tightening to remove excess fatty tissue and create a more harmonious contour.
• Removal of excess skin and fat: The surgeon removes excess skin and fatty tissue, tightens the remaining skin and carefully sutures the incisions.
  Depending on the extent of the procedure, the surgeon may insert drains to drain excess fluid and minimize the risk of swelling and bruising.

After the operation

After the operation, the treated areas are wrapped with special bandages and compression garments to minimize swelling and support the healing process.
You will be monitored in the clinic for a few hours after the procedure until you have recovered well.
In some cases, patients stay in the clinic overnight for observation.

• Compression garments: Wearing compression garments is crucial to the healing process.
  This special clothing helps to control swelling, adapt the skin to the new contours and reduce the risk of complications.
  The compression garment should be worn around the clock for several weeks, except when showering.
• Pain management: You may experience pain and discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with prescription pain medication.
  Your doctor will give you instructions on how to best manage the pain and support the healing process.

Aftercare and healing process

Aftercare is crucial to the success of the upper arm lift.
The surgeon will arrange regular follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure that no complications arise.

• Care of surgical wounds: It is important to keep the incisions clean and dry to avoid infection.
  Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on wound care.
• Physical rest: In the first few days after the operation, you should take it easy physically and avoid strenuous activities.
  However, light movements of the arms are beneficial for blood circulation and the healing process.
• Gradual return to normality: You can usually resume lighter everyday activities after around two to three weeks.
  However, more strenuous physical activities and sport should only be resumed after about six weeks, depending on your doctor’s instructions.

Recovery and long-term results

Full recovery after an upper arm lift can take several weeks.
During this time, the swelling will gradually subside and the results of the lift will become increasingly visible.
The final results can usually be seen after three to six months, when healing is complete and the skin has adapted to the new contours.

• Scar care: Your doctor will recommend special creams or scar care treatments to minimize the visibility of the scars.
• Long-term results: To maintain the results of an upper arm lift in the long term, it is important to maintain a stable weight and lead a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Weight Doctors will be with you throughout the entire process – from the initial consultation through to aftercare – ensuring you feel confident and well looked after.
Your Weight Doctors® RESHAPE treatment program offers comprehensive 360-degree care tailored to your individual needs to ensure the best possible outcome from your upper arm lift.